Disneyland and Disney California Adventure (DCA) sit right across from each other, usually a shocking fact for those who have only been to Walt Disney World, but they each provide very different experiences. To me Disneyland feels nostalgic, magical, and classic while DCA feels more thrilling, newer, and more suitable for an adults only trip.
Growing up were not a family that went to Disneyland, I believe my first experience was in late highschool early college days, and I immediately became hooked on the magical immersion that occurs while you are in the parks. I later also found out that my papa had done some of the drywall in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride prior to its opening, and it made my ride much more sentimental to me.
Disneyland feels like you step into a different world, the cast members, the smells, and the techniques used to make you feel immersed into the different lands. As soon as you enter the park your senses are immersed with magic, you take a stroll down Main Street, where there are classic and beautiful buildings, full of life and shops. Once you pass through Main Street you get to explore all the lands, whether you want to feel like your in the jungle on the Jungle Cruise, enjoying a New Orleans inspired night as you walk through New Orleans Square with a Mickey shaped beignet, immersed in another world of Batuu at Galaxy’s Edge, experiencing Pizza Planet in real life, or fully immersed in a cartoon in Toon Town. Disneyland allows for the timeless classics, the Walt history and a way to bring out your inner child.
California Adventure, just steps away from Disneyland, is more modern, as you walk through Hollywood, and into Avengers Campus, you may see Spiderman flying above you, or Mr. Stark himself. Want to still be immersed into a classic? Make your way over to Carsland and feel like you are on set with Lightning McQueen himself, and you can’t miss the neon light show at sunset. California Adventure has more of the thrill rides, and more food and drink choices, especially if you are looking for a 21+ beverage. I will say, while I love Disneyland, California Adventure has more of an adult vibe with the drink choices, rides, and food.
To successfully feel like you got the most out of your trip to explore both Disneyland and DCA, I would recommend a 3-day trip, and no park hopper. Having gone to Disneyland, probably too much to not be an annual member, I feel like 3 days has been my favorite way to experience the parks. I start in Disneyland the first day, second day California Adventure and end back in Disneyland. Or, if you really want to experience park hopping (both parks in one day), have your third day as the park hopper to hit anything you feel you may have missed in the first two days.
Where Disneyland falls short to other Disney Parks, is their hotels. I have stayed both on property and off, and will pick off property almost every time. If you don’t think you will ever be back at Disneyland I would recommend on site, the service, experience, and vibes are worth the price point if it’s a once in a lifetime trip. But if you attend more, I would encourage some of the surrounding or good neighbor hotels. My top three hotels that I will stay at are The Anaheim Hotel, just a few minutes walk from the park entrance, wonderful food and drink options, and great customer service. The Wyndham Anaheim, about a 10 minute walk from the park entrance, but extremely affordable and clean. And the last, Stovall’s Inn, another great option that is about a 10-15 minute walk, affordable and wonderful customer service.
One thing to keep in mind with the offsite locations, you will be walking back in the dark after an exhausting day, ride share is available, but make sure you are aware of your surroundings. In all the times I have been, I have never felt unsafe walking back, but there are always those risks. If that is a risk you aren’t willing to take, the Disney Hotels are minutes or less from downtown Disney, this also helps make short naps and hotel returns mid-day much more manageable.
If you have never been to a Disney park it can definitely be overwhelming, so here are tips on planning without overplanning. Make sure you have the Disney app downloaded, and I always make a list of my must-do rides (3-4 you can’t miss), and must have food for that trip (2-3 per park). But I always leave room for spontaneous shows, shopping, or rest breaks.
For me in Disneyland, I always start with the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, if I don’t my whole day gets thrown off. Pirates, Big Thunder Mountain, and Rise of the Resistance are my 3 must do rides in Disneyland. For food I always start with a Rontu Wrap and Cold Brew Black Caf for breakfast, a Fuzzy TaunTaun at Oga’s, a quick snack at Bengal BBQ, and can’t leave without a Dole Whip.
In California Adventure, I have to ride the Radiator Springs Racers, and the Incredicoaster (even though it took me 10 years to finally ride). I start with a coffee from the Joffrey’s stand, and have to get a specialty churro at some point but leave the food choices up to seasonal options they will have during my trip.
Overall, yes I am a semi-Disney adult, I love the food, experience, and escaping reality for a bit. Disney is known for their customer service, and food, and both are huge reasons why I keep returning. Whether it’s a short trip solo, which I highly recommend, or a large family trip there is something for everyone.
This is the first of a small mini-series about the parks, so join me as we visit Disney World, and Tokyo Disney. Also see if I prefer Disneyland or Disney World more! If you enjoy Disney, what are your go to rides, food, or seasonal events you prefer?
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